They had me at saloon. Who doesn’t love the history of American saloons in the old west (or older East for that matter), rich with history and culture as they were? It only makes sense, then, that Raleigh, North Carolina’s Lonerider brewery would at some point tie in the saloon theme to one of their beers. They did just that with Lonerider Saloon Style Pilsner.
Lonerider calls this a Czech-style pilsner, though it didn’t have the hops for that in my opinion. Better just to call it an easy drinking, highly sessionable pilsner the likes of which might have graced an old saloon 150 years ago or so. OK, you won’t get the famous free lunch with it, but neither is it served at room temperature.
From the website:
Tight-lipped and stoic, our sessionable Saloon Style Pilsner has only one mission – quenching thirst. This straw colored beer, medium bodied and crystal clear, is sure to leave you wanting another. This was brewed to be a sessionable pilsner. A beer that you can have more than two of, and not be under the table. We enjoy this beer served slightly colder, so when you get done with yard work, it refreshes you to the core, and leaves you wanting another.
Lonerider Saloon Style Pilsner has an alcohol content of 4.2% by volume with 35 IBUs. I paid $5.50 for a 20-ounce mug at Taco Mac and it sells for $9.99 a six-pack in cans at Total Wine.
My mug of Lonerider Saloon Style Lager arrived a bright golden color with a thick fluffy white head and a non-descript nose. Taking a sip, one gets a smooth light malty palate up front, clean with no adjuncts and a light biscuit character. The beer finishes gently dry with a soft hop bitterness.
Nicely done! Enjoy this for what it is intended to be, or substitute for your preferred mega-brew, if you enjoy those beers. For my art, I’ll be back for more of this one, especially when the weather warms. After all, they had me at saloon.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler